We have to work out Wes Johnson

[Vlade4GM]

Even though I think it's stupid if the Kings don't any real interest in him, I think it's even more stupid to not even pretend to have any interest in him. If our goal is to get Cousins, then we need Minnesota to take Johnson at 4, and only at 4. If they think we won't take Johnson at 5, then what's stopping them from doing a deal with Golden State or Detroit for Johnson? You have to keep other teams guessing, or you're going to be left out in the cold while the other teams get the real prizes. At the very least, we have to be willing to show Minny that we're willing to hold Johnson hostage.

Just like if Golden State thinks Monroe is our guy, they're going work him out and show interest in him, in case we plan on taking Cousins and trade down with Detroit for Monroe.

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

Don't worry Vlade, didn't bajaden say they are bringing Wesley in with Babbit?

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

That Babbit/Johnson workout was a rumor. Jason Jones said it wasnt true. ( I think )

I know Ive said this in another thread, but the only logical reason we havent worked out Johnson is because he doesnt want to work out with us.

I still think he might have a Twolves promise. Is he working out with anyone anymore? The last workout I remember him having, or scheduled to have, was the one with the Timberwolves.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Well, I'd sure like to hear about it if he's refusing to work out with the Kings. I seriously doubt Minnesota gives him a promise, unless they're trying to get him to stop working out with teams so he'll fall to their trade partner. If they're doing that, then they risk pissing off Johnson's camp. I don't think they'd like getting played like that.

 

[Packt]

Maybe thats why the Kings put it out there, that they'd be open to a trade. As in open to trading Wesley to the highest bidder should Minn trade their pick and let another team jump in front of us.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Maybe thats why the Kings put it out there, that they'd be open to a trade. As in open to trading Wesley to the highest bidder should Minn trade their pick and let another team jump in front of us.

That trade talk involves us trading Cousins, not Johnson.

 

[bajaden]

Well, I'd sure like to hear about it if he's refusing to work out with the Kings. I seriously doubt Minnesota gives him a promise, unless they're trying to get him to stop working out with teams so he'll fall to their trade partner. If they're doing that, then they risk pissing off Johnson's camp. I don't think they'd like getting played like that.

I heard the same rumor Vlade. I didn't post it because there are so many rumors this time of the year its impossible to keep track of them all. As far as I know, Johnson hasn't worked out for any team below the T Wolves in the draft. What I do know from reading all the Minny papers, is that they do seem settled on Johnson. Having said that, kahn is very unpredictable, so take it for what its worth.

If I had to bet money, baring a trade, I'd bet on the T Wolves taking Johnson at 4. Of course I wouldn't bet with my own money.

 

[Packt]

That trade talk involves us trading Cousins, not Johnson.

Trade talk is of us trading the 5th pick. We just assume it's Cousins. However if Cousins isn't there at 5 due to Minn trading the fourth and waiting on Wesley, well Johnson just might not be available then. Even though we don't need him, that doesn't stop us drafting him for someone else.

It's uncharacteristic for the Kings FO to put it out there that they're open to trading a pick. Could be a warning to Minn should they proceed with a deal that allows another team to jump in front of us.

 

[Sparky6string]

Right I can see them trading it if Cousins is gone but not if he's still available at #5. If Johnson doesn't work out here though we most likely won't draft him to keep him in any scenario.

 

[Section 101]

The player has to agree to come too. Maybe Johnson won't come because he thinks the wolves are taking him.

Petrie said on the radio yesterday most the players coming in the next week are for the 2nd round pick.

 

[Vlade4GM]

The player has to agree to come too. Maybe Johnson won't come because he thinks the wolves are taking him.

Petrie said on the radio yesterday most the players coming in the next week are for the 2nd round pick.

There's no reason for a player to stop working out for teams in his range, unless he has a promise. Minny making a promise to Johnson seems odd and pointless. It's not like he's a threat to go earlier than their pick.

 

[bajaden]

The player has to agree to come too. Maybe Johnson won't come because he thinks the wolves are taking him.

Petrie said on the radio yesterday most the players coming in the next week are for the 2nd round pick.

Just finished reading both Minny newspapers. Kahn stated that the possibility of them trading the 4th pick in the draft is " Very, very, very unlikely" to use his own words. In another article they seem intent on getting outside shooting help without actually mentioning Johnson's name. So if true, then its no surprise that Johnson won't work out for any team below the T Wolves.

Now add to the mix that Jerry Reynolds, when on Grants show, implied that the Kings intend to add a big man to the roster with the 5th pick. And that Petrie implied the same in his press conference yesterday, I'd say its unlikely that Johnson will be working out here anytime soon.

I'd say Wall is a lock at 1. From what I read in the Philly papers it appears that Turner is the pick, although they did bring in Favors and Cousins for a workout this morning. No reports yet on the outcome of that. If for some reason they determine to pick Favors, then that could throw a monkey wrench into the whole process. I'm not sure what the Nets would do if Favors is gone. My guess is that they would drive Minny nuts and pick Turner since they don't need another center.

Bottom line is that I think there's a better than 50% chance that Cousins drops to us.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Why wouldn't he work out for any other teams? The main point of giving a player a promise and having him stop workouts is so that teams in front of them, or teams that may trade in front of them, won't get to work him out, possibly deterring them from picking him. That's not going to happen to Minnesota, Johnson is pretty much a lock to be there at their pick. There's no reason for Johnson to stop workouts because there's always a chance Minnesota changes their mind on draft day.

He's the 5th best player in the draft, I don't get why we don't just give him a look. I never took Petrie for the type to focus on need rather than BPA.

 

[Kingsguy881]

Just finished reading both Minny newspapers. Kahn stated that the possibility of them trading the 4th pick in the draft is " Very, very, very unlikely" to use his own words. In another article they seem intent on getting outside shooting help without actually mentioning Johnson's name. So if true, then its no surprise that Johnson won't work out for any team below the T Wolves.

Now add to the mix that Jerry Reynolds, when on Grants show, implied that the Kings intend to add a big man to the roster with the 5th pick. And that Petrie implied the same in his press conference yesterday, I'd say its unlikely that Johnson will be working out here anytime soon.

I'd say Wall is a lock at 1. From what I read in the Philly papers it appears that Turner is the pick, although they did bring in Favors and Cousins for a workout this morning. No reports yet on the outcome of that. If for some reason they determine to pick Favors, then that could throw a monkey wrench into the whole process. I'm not sure what the Nets would do if Favors is gone. My guess is that they would drive Minny nuts and pick Turner since they don't need another center.

Bottom line is that I think there's a better than 50% chance that Cousins drops to us.

There was a better than 50% chance we'd draft top 4 too, IIRC.

 

[kennadog]

Just finished reading both Minny newspapers. Kahn stated that the possibility of them trading the 4th pick in the draft is " Very, very, very unlikely" to use his own words. In another article they seem intent on getting outside shooting help without actually mentioning Johnson's name. So if true, then its no surprise that Johnson won't work out for any team below the T Wolves.

Now add to the mix that Jerry Reynolds, when on Grants show, implied that the Kings intend to add a big man to the roster with the 5th pick. And that Petrie implied the same in his press conference yesterday, I'd say its unlikely that Johnson will be working out here anytime soon.

I'd say Wall is a lock at 1. From what I read in the Philly papers it appears that Turner is the pick, although they did bring in Favors and Cousins for a workout this morning. No reports yet on the outcome of that. If for some reason they determine to pick Favors, then that could throw a monkey wrench into the whole process. I'm not sure what the Nets would do if Favors is gone. My guess is that they would drive Minny nuts and pick Turner since they don't need another center.

Bottom line is that I think there's a better than 50% chance that Cousins drops to us.

Yeah I was reading a Philly fans board and most appear prepared to be really angry, if the Sixers take Favors over Turner. However, they seem to think it could be a possibility.

I saw GP's press conference after the trade and they really do seem to prefer a big with the #5 pick, although he didn't absolutely guarantee that's what would happen. Leaving his options open-ended as usual.

 

[TTown Kings]

I'd say Wall is a lock at 1. From what I read in the Philly papers it appears that Turner is the pick, although they did bring in Favors and Cousins for a workout this morning. No reports yet on the outcome of that. If for some reason they determine to pick Favors, then that could throw a monkey wrench into the whole process. I'm not sure what the Nets would do if Favors is gone. My guess is that they would drive Minny nuts and pick Turner since they don't need another center.

Turner to Philly, looks pretty official...

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/06/18/sixers-will-draft-evan-turner-according-to-sixers-website/

Things are lining up, come on Cousins!!!

 

[UK_King]

Turner to Philly, looks pretty official...

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/06/18/sixers-will-draft-evan-turner-according-to-sixers-website/

Things are lining up, come on Cousins!!!

now they've made pages for Cousins and Favors... oh dear! just covering their arses! someone jumped the gun.

 

[beb0p]

I don't think it matters, if Turner goes 2nd then Favors goes 3rd. If Favors goes 2nd then Turner goes 3rd.

The Timberwolves are not getting their hands on Turner so they have to take Wesley Johnson. Unless, unless there is a pick swap and right now I don't see a big chance of that happening.



.

 

[hrdboild]

It appears that Wesley Johnson's agent thinks he's a lock for top 4 and doesn't want him to work out for the Kings. Evan Turner wouldn't work out for Washington or New Jersey for the same reason. False confidence? Posturing? Seems like questionable thinking, but I suppose that's their prerogative. It complicates things a bit if Johnson does fall past the top 4. Will Geoff insist on picking a big guy regardless? Worst-case-scenario for me is that New Jersey and Minnesota are bluffing and Petrie passes on Johnson anyway because he wouldn't work out for us.

 

[beb0p]

Just finished reading both Minny newspapers. Kahn stated that the possibility of them trading the 4th pick in the draft is " Very, very, very unlikely" to use his own words. In another article they seem intent on getting outside shooting help without actually mentioning Johnson's name. So if true, then its no surprise that Johnson won't work out for any team below the T Wolves.

It's my feeling as well after reading the SF Chronicle article where Larry Riley said:

"We have discussed moving up and moving down, and I can tell you that I'm not even close to it," Riley said. "I'm finding it difficult to move up, and I don't think it's going to happen."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/18/SPKP1E0TF0.DTL#ixzz0rFJ9fOdZ
​

It seems that no team in the top 5 wants to trade down. Good chance Minny keep the pick and draft Johnson. And I'd say at this point more than a 50/50 chance that Cousins will be there at #5.

.

 

[bajaden]

It's my feeling as well after reading the SF Chronicle article where Larry Riley said:




It seems that no team in the top 5 wants to trade down. Good chance Minny keep the pick and draft Johnson. And I'd say at this point more than a 50/50 chance that Cousins will be there at #5.

.

A lot of smoke and mirrors going on right now. The other day, might have been yesterday, the Warriors said they might be very interested in drafting Cousins if he falls to them. A week and a half ago they compared him to Beniot Benjamin.. Gee, which is it?

 

[beb0p]

A lot of smoke and mirrors going on right now. The other day, might have been yesterday, the Warriors said they might be very interested in drafting Cousins if he falls to them. A week and a half ago they compared him to Beniot Benjamin.. Gee, which is it?

I suspect it's just how polarizing he is. As much as I'm dying for the Kings to pick Cousins, I also reckon that he has the highest bust potential out of the top six. He is a feast or famine player and I wouldn't be surprised that some in the GS front office sees the feast and some sees the famine.

I do believe that picking Cousins is a no-brainer for the Warriors, and to anyone who has ever watched the Warriors last season.
.

 

[bajaden]

I suspect it's just how polarizing he is. As much as I'm dying for the Kings to pick Cousins, I also reckon that he has the highest bust potential out of the top six. He is a feast or famine player and I wouldn't be surprised that some in the GS front office sees the feast and some sees the famine.

I do believe that picking Cousins is a no-brainer for the Warriors, and to anyone who has ever watched the Warriors last season.
.

If Cousins is a bust it won't be because of his talent. I think the two players with the biggest bust possibility are Johnson and Favors. Johnson only had one great year out of three, and Favors didn't really show very much in his one season at G Tech. Now I realize one can make arguements for either one as to why, but in truth, less is known about their abilities than the other three.

Having said that I don't think either will be a bust. I think all five will end up being very good players. But three have the potential to be superstars. Wall, Cousins, and Turner. All three probably won't, but all three will be stars in my opinion. Cousins is a far cry from Derrick Coleman. Cousins has a chip on his shoulder. And its that chip that gives him his edge. The better shape he gets into the better player he's going to be. I think he's only now realizing the kind of shape you need to be in to play in the NBA.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Cousins definitely has the biggest bust potential of the top 5, and it's not that close IMO. With questionable motor and attitude, you always have that big risk. To me, Favors is more polished defensively than Cousins is offensively.

 

[Smills91]

Just finished reading both Minny newspapers. Kahn stated that the possibility of them trading the 4th pick in the draft is " Very, very, very unlikely" to use his own words. In another article they seem intent on getting outside shooting help without actually mentioning Johnson's name. So if true, then its no surprise that Johnson won't work out for any team below the T Wolves.

Now add to the mix that Jerry Reynolds, when on Grants show, implied that the Kings intend to add a big man to the roster with the 5th pick. And that Petrie implied the same in his press conference yesterday, I'd say its unlikely that Johnson will be working out here anytime soon.

I'd say Wall is a lock at 1. From what I read in the Philly papers it appears that Turner is the pick, although they did bring in Favors and Cousins for a workout this morning. No reports yet on the outcome of that. If for some reason they determine to pick Favors, then that could throw a monkey wrench into the whole process. I'm not sure what the Nets would do if Favors is gone. My guess is that they would drive Minny nuts and pick Turner since they don't need another center.

Bottom line is that I think there's a better than 50% chance that Cousins drops to us.

Totally agree with this assessment, 100%

 

[Smills91]

I suspect it's just how polarizing he is. As much as I'm dying for the Kings to pick Cousins, I also reckon that he has the highest bust potential out of the top six. He is a feast or famine player and I wouldn't be surprised that some in the GS front office sees the feast and some sees the famine.

I do believe that picking Cousins is a no-brainer for the Warriors, and to anyone who has ever watched the Warriors last season.
.

I actually am beginning to think it's split between Favors and Turner are the more likely busts in the top 6, but that Cousins (if he were to bust) would be the lowest basement to bust factor.

If that makes sense.

 

[bajaden]

Cousins definitely has the biggest bust potential of the top 5, and it's not that close IMO. With questionable motor and attitude, you always have that big risk. To me, Favors is more polished defensively than Cousins is offensively.

Lets have this discussion 3 years from now. God willing! I'll be happy to tell you I told you so. Or more than willing to eat crow. Which isn't really all that bad.. Wine sauce and mushrooms. Yummie!

 

[bajaden]

I actually am beginning to think it's split between Favors and Turner are the more likely busts in the top 6, but that Cousins (if he were to bust) would be the lowest basement to bust factor.

If that makes sense.

Everyone that predicts that Cousins might be a bust, does it for only one reason, so called attitude and lack of work ethic. I don't think they're an issue. I watched every televised game. Some more than once and I never once saw him quit in a game or not play hard. As a matter of fact, some of his heated discussions with Calapari came from him not wanting to come out of the game.

I think he bad attitude is overblown. Turner and Cousins are both more skilled than Favors. You can try and tell me otherwise, but I'll never agree. I've just seen too much of all three players. There's not doubt in my mind that in a one on one competition between Cousins and Favors right now, Cousins would win that competition. He simply has more skills right now. Five years from now who knows. But five years from now is pie in the sky.

 

[Vlade4GM]

I don't think the raw label that Favors gets is very fair. He's not even 19 yet and he played in a crappy offensive system that couldn't get him the ball yet he still he managed to score 12 ppg and improve a lot during the season. It's interesting when people consider how raw or polished a player is, they're only referring to them offensively, never defensively. Favors is the most polished defender in this draft, and I think I'd take him over Turner at this point.

 

[King-Da-Yah]

I don't think the raw label that Favors gets is very fair. He's not even 19 yet and he played in a crappy offensive system that couldn't get him the ball yet he still he managed to score 12 ppg and improve a lot during the season. It's interesting when people consider how raw or polished a player is, they're only referring to them offensively, never defensively. Favors is the most polished defender in this draft, and I think I'd take him over Turner at this point.

Agreed to bad he is a pipe dream now though Vlade. You know I wouldn't be opposed to trading for Favors if we didn't need a 5 so badly. Dalembert is great but you and I both know he is not our 5 in two years if we snag DMC. 5 days until it's official... I hope.